Avery C. Upchurch
Avery C. Upchurch | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 57th Mayor of Raleigh | |
| In office 1983–1993 | |
| Preceded by | Smedes York |
| Succeeded by | Tom Fetzer |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 22, 1928 |
| Died | June 30, 1994 Raleigh, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Occupation | Attorney, Businessman, Politician |
Avery Council Upchurch (December 22, 1928 – June 30, 1994) was an American businessman and politician who served as the Mayor of Raleigh, North Carolina from 1983 to 1993. His ten-year tenure was the longest continuous mayoral service in Raleigh during the 20th century and coincided with a major period of urban and economic growth in the city.[1]
Early life and business career
Upchurch was born in Rutherford County, North Carolina, and moved to Raleigh as a teenager.[2] After graduating from Broughton High School, he operated two filling stations in Raleigh and ran a heating oil business. He also served as executive director and president of the North Carolina Service Station Association and held leadership positions in other civic and trade organizations.[2]
Upchurch began his political career in 1976 with an appointment to the Raleigh Planning Commission, later serving on the Raleigh City Council before running for mayor.[2]
Mayor of Raleigh
Upchurch was elected mayor in 1983, succeeding Smedes York. His administration emphasized expansion of Raleigh's infrastructure to support population and economic growth. Major initiatives included:
- Widening of streets and expansion of water and sewer systems
- Launch of curbside recycling programs
- Construction of additional downtown parking
- Construction of the Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
- Renovation of Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, formerly Raleigh Memorial Auditorium
- Planning for expansion of the Raleigh Convention Center[3]
- Initial feasibility studies that lead to the Lenovo Center, formerly Raleigh Entertainment and Sports Arena
Upchurch was widely recognized for his down-to-earth and consensus-driven leadership, personally engaging with citizens and local issues. Anecdotally, he once personally collected garbage from a resident when city collection services failed.[1]
Later life and legacy
Upchurch declined to seek a sixth term in 1993. Within months of leaving office, he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer and passed away on June 30, 1994, at age 65.[2] In recognition of his service, the Raleigh Municipal Building was renamed the Avery C. Upchurch Government Complex in his honor.[4]
Personal life
Upchurch was married to Margaret Upchurch and had at least one son, Edward Upchurch, as well as a stepson, Lane West.[2] He remained active in his community throughout his life, participating in church and civic organizations.[1]
See also
References
- ^ a b c [1](https://www.wral.com/story/family-discovers-raleigh-house-used-to-be-owned-by-beloved-mayor/20393803/) WRAL: "Family discovers Raleigh house used to be owned by beloved mayor" (July 2022)]
- ^ a b c d e [2](https://www.alliedfamilies.com/uploads/1/3/1/8/13181256/avery_council_upchurch.pdf) Allied Families: "Avery Council Upchurch" obituary, 1994]
- ^ [3](https://indyweek.com/news/wake/raleigh-s-rebranding/) INDY Week: "Raleigh's rebranding"]
- ^ [4](https://digital.lib.ecu.edu/ncpi/view/1747) Southern City, North Carolina League of Municipalities, July 1994]
